thomson



(No Model.)

J. THOMSON.

DIAPHRAGM METER.

Patented Mar.27,1883.

N f@ ,M @M ma I (No Mba-e1.) I 4 sheetssheen 2. J. THOMSON.

DIAPHRAGM METER. N0 274.848- Patented Mam?, 1883.

(-No Model.; 4 Sheets-Sheet 3. J. THOMSON.

DIAPHR-AGM METER. No. 274,848.l Patented 1VIa.1.2,'7,l883.4

(No Model.) 4 sheetssheen 4.

VJ. THOMSON VDIAPHRAGWMLEn-Bn No; 274,848.l Patented Mar. 27, 1983.l

, ,1 77A klllllfgllliw //I UNITED STATES 'PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN THOMSON, F BROOKLYN, NEWV YORK, ASSIGNOR TO MARIA T. BARTON, OF SAME PLACE.

DIAPHRAGM-METER.

SPCIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 274,848, dated March 27, 1883.

Application led August 28, 1882. (No model.) v

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, JOHN THOMSON, acitizen of the United States, residing at Brookof Fig. l.

lyn, county of Kings, and State ot' New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Fluid-Meters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention has for its object to produce a piston-meter that shall be practically friction lessV in its action, and will not require that the pistonshall be packed'nor the cylinder in.

My invention also consists in a spring valveaction combined with a positive valve-action, the arrangement being such that the motorsprings shall also act as retaining-springs until the instant that a reversal of the valve movement is required, while the positive action shall not be operative,.except in the-event of a failure upon the part ofthe motor-springs to actuate the valves.

My invention also consists in an improved construction of the valves and the valve-seats,

the former being provided with a yielding annulus set in'and projecting slightly from the face of the valve, while the latter is formed with V-shaped annular grooves formed in the face upon which the valve seats, whereby a series of separate contact-surfaces is formed, while at the same time not only is the metallic clinking ot' the valve prevented, but as the latter do not need to be tinely fitted, they can be much more cleaply produced. Y i

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation. Fig. 2 is a central Vertical section Fig. 2ai is a central vertical section of the inner lining of the cylinder detached. Fig. 2 is a detail view of part of the valveoperating mechanism det-ached. Fig. 2 is a view of a modified form of the parts shown in Fig. 2b. Fig. 3 is a plan view, showing the valve-actuating mechanism and the water view ot' the cylinder-cap inverted. Fig. 9 is a section on line l 1, Fig. 8, showing the valves in reverse position from that in Fig. l. Fig. 10 is a central vertical section of one of the valves, the parts being enlarged. Fig. 1l is a central vertical section of one ofthe valveseats, the parts being enlarged.

The ordinary construction and operation ot' pis-ton meters require no explanation, save that the three dominant points most desirable of accomplishment in their construction are, first, cheapness; second, accuracy, and, third, theleast possible friction in operation. Should the Contact ofthe piston and the cylinder be imperfect, the' measurement ot' volumewill be correspondingly inaccurate. lf the fitting between the piston and the cylinder be perfect, sufficient friction will be engendered to require a considerable degree ot' energy from the {lowing current, and the volume of egress is thus diminished in direct ratiol to the duty performed. Thel theoretically-perfect duid-meter is one lwhich measures volume regardless of the head or pressure upon theinflowingstream, and which therefore requires no energy from the passing current to effect the measurement.

In order that the piston may operate, it is necessary that the current shall be alternately from each face of the piston, and to accomplish this a 'system of valves is required with mechanism for operating them. ln order that these valves may do their duty in the best possible manner, it is required that they shall practicallyr make `an instantaneous change of position with the leastpossible expenditure ot' power. To this end the parts should be as easily operated, as simple, and as few as possible.

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In carrying out my invention I first provide a disk, 2, which connects directly with a pis-v tonrod, 5, which is centrally secured in the cap 8, and which is provided with two caps or collars, 6 .and 51, the function of which will be hereinafter explained. The collar 6, which is the upper collar, moves freely in a vertical bearing, 7, formed in the cap of the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 2. The flexible lining 3 is provided with rings 9 and 10, the former being inner and the latter outer rings, the rings 9 preventing a collapse of the lining from external pressure, while the rings 10 prevent the outward rupture of the lining from internal pressure. The difference in pressure within the meter as between the ingress and egress current is the sum total of the friction upon the current in passing the sluices and valveports, and themotive energy required to fill and collapse the lining and to throw the valves. As in this instance the excess of pressure to be restrained by the lining is exceedingly slight, as will be hereinafter more fully shown, the rings 9 and 10 maybe made of small light wire. The lining 3 is made of some flexible fluid-proof material, either rubber, ru bber cloth,

or any other textile material, and it may also be constructed in sections fastened together, or it may be Woven as a whole.

It will readily be seen that as the piston-rod travels up and down, the rings 9 and 10, being rigid, cause the buckling of the lining to be divided equally between each fold, and hence the friction upon the material itself is reduced to the minimum, while at the same time the loss of space is greatly diminished.

The arrangement of the parts mentioned is shown in Fig. 2,the piston having nearly comf pleted its downward stroke, its collar 6 being brought into contact with the end of thelever 11, which actuates the spring-carriage 12. (See also Figs.21, 2, 3, and`4.) I have shown in the .drawings only two valves, 13 and 14,

both being on the same valve-stem, 15. To place the valves in position the bushing 16 is first forced tightly to the seat formed in the cap 8. Then the upper valve and valve-stem are inserted, and next the double bushing 17, which forms an accurate bearing for the valvestem, this bushing being forced to a separate seat. Lastly, the lower valve is inserted and secured in place on the valve-stem, and the lower bushing, 19, is then forced into its seat. In this manner it is simply necessary that each bushing, valve, and seat, which are in the form of circular steps, as shown in Figs. 2, 9,

fluid in the lower compartment, 24', of the cylinder, and which has occupied the space now being filled by the flexible lining 3, is being forced up through the cored sluiceway 25 to the intermediate valve'chamber, 26, and from thence through the now open port 27 to the final egress-sluice 28, and thence outward. When the valves are reversed and lthe movement of the piston changed the inllowing current passes back through the way 25, while the contents of the flexible liningis discharged through the way 45, Fig. 9, and thence out by the final outlet 28, as in the firstinstance. As herein shown and described, the two valves, both being mounted upon a single valve-stem and all contained and acting within a single but subdivided valve-chamber, properly form, and will be so termed, a compound puppetvalve.77 scribed as attendant upon this construction of valve and water-ways, there is a yet more important advantage, in that the valve is perfectly balanced within itself in either or both positions against excess of pressure from within the meter or back-pressure from without the meter, as,say, in the case of,waterham mer.77 This function of the valve is owing to the following conditions, namely: First, allof the valve parts are of equal area 5 second, the pressure of the ingress-current, as the case may be, is equally divided upon both outside faces of the valve or upon bo'thinsidefaces of the valve, the conditions being reciprocal; third, the pressure of the egress-current is likewise equally divided upon either the two outside or inside faces of the valve. The conditions being as stated, it is evident that the egress sides of the valve may be without pressure, or as zero, while the ingress sides may be as 100 above zero, without interfering in the slightest with the operation of the valve, in that the excess of pressure between the outer and inner chambers is resisted by the valve-stem or the valve itself as a whole, and not between the valve-faces andthe valve-seats. Hence, as a necessary consequence, the valve'with respect to the fluid or varying pressure within the meter is in a state of perfect equilibrium, its impact and pressure upon the valve-seats being an exact determinable quantity depen d ent entirely upon its motor apparatus.

Aside from the features already de- ICU IOS

IIO

IIS

IZO

27ans bly V-shaped, are connected at their outer own separate connection, and being of equal tension to the other. Their inner ends are connected to the valve-stem by a single connection, 32, which is accurately centered on said stem. 'Ihe action 4of Vthese springs :is in the nature of elastic toggles, wherein, after the dead-point7 has been passed,`they have a throw either upward or downward, according as their inward ends are above or below the outer points of connection, and by this means their operation isrendered instantaneous, orv

practically so. The carriage 12, to which the outer end of said springs are connected, is raised and lowered relatively to the valve-stem by means of an arm orlever, 34l,which is pi voted to the cylinder-cap at 34, and has its forked ends connected to the ends of the carriage 12 b v their forked extremities 34e. this lever, which is shown at 11, Figs. 2 and 2b, lies directly beneath the collar 6 of the piston 5, and said end is provided with studs 4i, which moves in curved slots 42, said slots being formed in ears of an idlelever, 39, lying directly below said lever 34h, Iand having its end beyond the said ears connected pivotally with the cylinder-capS by pivot-bearings 40. The springs 29 and 30 are connected at their outer ends with the carriage 12 by means ot' bearings 31, journaled in said carriage, so

- that they may turn freely, and thus allow the movement of' the carriage is limited.

springs to exert their force of compression merely. It will now be seen that as the flexible lining 3 fills the pistonrod5 will be drawn down, and that just before said lining is filled to its capacity the collar 6 will strike the end I1 of the lever 34h, carrying said lever down with it, and thereby elevating the opposite end. Now, by reference to Fig. 5 it will be seen that after the carriage 12 is raised to such a point that the outer ends of' the springs 29 and 30 have passed the dea(l-point-viz., the point where the outer and inner ends of said springs are in the same horizontal planethe said springs, as their outer ends continue to rise, will begin to exert a tendency tothrow the valve-stem downward, as shown in dotted lines in said Fig. 5. As said springs pass farther from the dead-point, which is indicated by the lille 37, Fig. 5, this tendency will become stronger, until finally they will snap the valve-stem 15 downward, and thereby reverse the action of the valves 13 and 14.

1t will be noticed that in Fig. 4 the carriage 12 is guided by standards 33", having stopheads 33 and stop-collars 36, by which the In case, however, the springs 29 and 30 fail to act, the idle-lever 39 will operate the valve-stem in the manner following.

As already described, the lever 34" has, upon its free end 11, studs which run in slots 42 formed in ears upon the said idle-lever 39.` As these studs reach the endof said slots the piston-collar 6 bears directly upon said lever,

The free end ofy which, being a lever ofthe third order, draws the valvestem downward, and thereby operates the valves without the agency ofthe springs 29 and 30. It should, however, be

actuated bythis idle-lever the springs are called into action and aid said operation and render it instantaneous.

' It will be seen thatIderivea greatadvantage from carrying the heels of' these springs upwardV instead of having their centers carried downward; also, that, should the springs begin to act before the carriage strikes the upper stops, 36, they will merely throw said carriage against these stops, and then throw the valve-stem downward; but the great advantage of this form ot'constrnction is that, as will readily be seen, the springs, after they have snapped the valves against their seats, will hold them there until the inflation or collapse of' the lining 3 shall again operate the lever 34b by means of its upper or lower collar, 6 or 51, thereby holding the valves against their seats by the force of' said springs until the meter again fills.

By reference to Fig. 3 it will beseen that the lever 34b has its end constructed with an open loop, so that the collars 6 and 51 on the pistonrod may pass without actuatingsaid lever, the

latter being operated by means of the studs 4l i thereon, which run in slots 42 in the ears upon lever 39, and which, by striking the upper or lower ends of said slots, operate the idlelever. By this construction it is evidentthat a much lighter set of' springs` may be used Vthan if' it were first necessary to overcome the resistance of' a separare retaining-spring or set of' seatthe valves when said'springs were in their dead-points.77 The advantage ot' this is increased durability of' the parts and less power to operate. lt will be noticed that the leverage Ais in f'avor of the piston, in time, while accumulating force in the springs through the carriage-lever 34", while in the case ot' the idlelever 39 the leverage is against th'e piston in the operation of' the valves, and to this endnamely, that as this positive operation of' the valves in the rnannerdescribed is exceptionalit is required that the reversal shall be effect` ed in the least possible time, thereby but slightly affecting the proper duty of' the meter.

In Fig. 2c l have shown a modification ot' the idle-lever, the operation of which is so apparent that it requires no description.

Fig. 6 also shows a slight modification in the form of the` springs, being a double V shape, with end coiled to form a connection f'ora pin or other bearing.

Inconstructing the valves13and` 14 I cut an annular channel in each face thereet', and place therein any suitable slightly-yielding -1naterial, 47, which is forced into said channel with its grain toward the valve-seat, as shown in Fig. 1U. In the valve-seat, also,Iforin a series of' annular V-shaped channels or grooves,

.l springs, and were also required to always unnoticed that the moment'the valve-stem'is ICO IIO

ai masas as shown in Fig. 11,- upon which the grain edge of the packing material 47 impinges, thereby forming a number of separa-te annular contacts, which gives a much more perfect result.

The meter may be connected with any suitable register by means of a rod, 50, Fig.2,which is acted upon by the upper and lower pistonrod collars, 6`aud 51, the upper part of the said rod being packed through the cap, and carrying a pawl, 52, which meshes with a ratchet-w heel, 53. The connections ot' the toggle-springs to the carriage and valve-stems are shown as formed ofjournal-bearings, which is thought to be preferable, as they present the greatest wearing-surface and yet operate with slight friction. lt is evident, however, that the toggle-springs mightbe connected by semicircular bearings or knife-edge contacts where shown as journaled without affect-ing the principle of operation.y

The construction described renders this form of meter cheap and easily made, durable and efficient in operation, and of great accuracy.

What-I claim is- 1. In a Huid-meter, the combination, with a piston-rod having stop-collars thereon, of a spring-carriage, springs mounted thereon, and a valve-stem connected with said springs, substantially as described.

2. In a fluid-meter, the combination, with a piston-rodhavingstop-collars thereon, ofa carriage-actuating motor and retaining-springs, and a valve-stem, substantially as described.

3. In a Huid-meter, the combination, with a piston-rod having stopcollars thereon, ot' a spring-carriage, springs mounted thereon, a valve-stem connected with said springs, and an idle-lever having an independent connec- .face a plane-faced annulus of yielding material, and a valve-seat having V-shaped annular grooves formed therein, whereby when the valve is seated a number ot' separate annular contacts between the said two partswill be made, substantially as described.

.6. The combination, with the piston-rod having an upper and alower collar, of aregister-rod packed through the cylinder-cap and actuated by the collars upon said piston-rod, substantially as described.

` 7. The combination, with the cylinder having the water-ways 20,25, and 28, ot' the valves 13 and 14, spring-carriage actuated by the piston-rod 5, and ,the iiexible lining 3, substantially as described.

8. In a duid-meter, the bushings 16, 17, and 19, fitted within the cap 8 in the manner described, and the valve-stem passing through said bushings and carrying valves which work between the bushings, substantially as shown and specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. JOHN THOMSON.

Witnesses:

GnARLEs E. BARTON, JOHN A. MILLIKEN. 

